Sophisticated Rebellion

Tag Archives: ted andrews

Just a few of the words associated with the powerful medicine bestowed to us by the mighty snake. With a contentious mythical reputation, the snake has always been a creature of paradox; seen as both a symbol of the higher or the lower, the good or the evil, the devil or the healer. No wonder this animal resonates with our humanity as we learn day in and day out the inner struggle of our own personal inconsistencies– as well as those of others and of our society.

Across cultures the snake has a variety of different meanings. In Native American art and lore the snake is a powerful and dramatic healer that brings about a transcendental transformation, enabling the individual to transmute all poisons within the body or otherwise. For Meso-American cultures the serpent is depicted as feathered and flying. Known as Quetzalcoatl, the Patron of the Toltecs, legend has it that his dominion is the heavens, the stars and all the motions of the universe. Grecian mythos states the snake signifies alchemy and healing, where wisdom is expressed via medicinal associations and prowess. Additionally, snakes or serpents represent sexuality and creative life; growing, ascending through various energy channels and developing new wisdom and capabilities.

Shedding and rebirth are other associations made when the snake appears both in mythology and lore cross-culturally. This characteristic is key in learning to develop from the past in order to outgrow the old and transform i n t o the new.

Snakes have come up lately in my life, especially during the final months of Summer as we transitioned into fall. Undergoing personal changes, this often reproachable reptile appeared to me during a trip to the river… as I was going through a time of change and transition. Although scared by his appearance, instead of acting aghast I embraced my fear and found peace with my situation. A lesson soon to be lived and learned… According to Ted Andrews, author of Animal Speak, when snakes or serpents emerge in your life it is time to look into a rebirth of new powers of creativity and wisdom.

Below striking snake images, a few from The Wild Unknown tarot deck featuring the wands- a family of snakes! Also, stunning jewels that remind me to harness and tap into the many charming snake traits of clairvoyance, compassion, cunning ferocity, creativity, transformation and healing!